I have shared this idea with many audiences, and always someone asks for a copy, so I am including it as this month’s special idea:
Since my husband died nearly four years ago, coming back to an empty house or hotel room at night is especially lonely. Two years ago I had been speaking in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I had had a very long day and was dreading going back to my room at the Collins Plaza Hotel. When I arrived in the room, this little card was on my pillow:
TO OUR GUESTS
In ancient times there was a prayer for
“THE STRANGER WITHIN OUR GATES”
Because this hotel is a human institution to serve
people, and not solely a money-making organization,
we hope that God will grant you peace and rest
while you are under our roof.
May this room and hotel be your “second”
home. May those you love be near you in thoughts
and dreams. Even though we may not get to know
you, we hope that you will be comfortable and
happy as if you were in your own house.
May the business that brought you our way
prosper. May every call you make and every
message you receive add to your joy. When you
leave, may your journey be safe.
We are all travelers. From “birth ‘til death” we
travel between the eternities. May these days be
pleasant for you, profitable for society, helpful for
those you meet, and a joy to those who know and
love you best.
How touched I was by this message! I felt like someone in that wonderful hotel really cared about me as a person. My loneliness immediately changed from a feeling of isolation to a deep feeling of warmth and gratitude, and I had one of the best nights I had had in a long time. How might your organization add a caring, human touch like this to what you do? You never know the difference it might make in someone’s life. I can hardly wait to return to this hotel again!
